Three from Springfield area get statewide recognition from Illinois Jaycees
Three Springfield area residents were recently selected as Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois by the Illinois Jaycees.
Tiffani Jackson and Yves Doumen of Springfield and Jocelyn Piper of Chatham are among the recipients the program has recognized for excellence in their chosen fields and endeavors and commitment to their communities.
Jackson, 25, The State Journal-Register’s culture, diversity and inclusion reporter, is being recognized in the category for Cultural Achievement. The Chicago native who was raised in Detroit joined the SJ-R in January 2022.
While a journalism student, she founded Onyx Connect Media, Illinois State University’s first Black news team after noticing a gap in representation for students of color in campus media. The team is dedicated to telling their stories, highlighting positivity while dispelling negative stereotypes.
Onyx Connected Media has been recognized by the Association for Women in Communication with an award for an innovative publication. Jackson received NPR’s Korva Coleman Excellence Award for promoting diversity and inclusion through her reporting.
Doumen, 34, is being recognized in the category for Moral and/or environmental leadership. Doumen is founder and manager of Motherland Community Project which purchases vacant, abandoned lots and builds community gardens to address food insecurity and community beautification.
Doumen also co-founded Afro House, an organization that helps negate stigmas about African people and gives its members a sense of community and opportunity.
Piper, 38, is an author and advocate for international adoption and parents caring for children with special needs. Piper and her husband, Troy, expanded their blended family adopting three children with disabilities through transnational adoption. She has helped families navigate the process and find the available resource to assist in the adoption and raising of children with disabilities.
In 2023, Piper wrote and published two books, “Look! I am Capable!” exploring different abilities and teaching patience with those who may learn and play differently, and “Always Worth It”.
“The Illinois Jaycees is proud to honor young active citizens for their accomplishments and contributions to their communities," said Jessi Neighbors, president of the Illinois Jaycees. "I am confident our TOYP honorees will inspire young people throughout the state.”
The Illinois Jaycees will recognize the honorees in East Peoria May 6.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois Jaycees recognizes Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois
